Determining Length

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Doug Gemmell

Doug Gemmell

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 17, 2002
Posts
2,705
Location
Everett, WA
Does anyone have a good method to determine how much length moulding to order? Specifically, how best to tell the supplier how much you want without getting too much (sometimes WAY too much). I think the metric system contributes somewhat to the problem because with some suppliers, if you order 10 feet, they will send 2 three meter sticks (19.7 ft.) We use about 9 different suppliers and most of them don't have a "typical" length. Last week, I thought I had it covered when I needed 17 feet, ordered 18, and received 24. Is there an easier way than calling each time to find out the stock length of a particular moulding? Of course we order chops when appropriate but I guess determining that effectively is another matter!
 
What you are describing is "short order" length ordering. That is just enough to complete the one frame or one order.

There are several threads on this topic as to the merits and drawbacks of this type of ordering. Each moulding comes in a different length depending on the stock that it is manufactured from. Thus a specific moulding can be 9.5 ft (3m) for one run and 11.5 ft (3.5m) in the next run. There are also defects that are in wood (part of the game) that we are credited for. These defects are not always where we want them to have zero waste.

For this type of ordering, you might be better off if you order chops.
 
The moulding distributors I work with will send me an appropriate amount when I tell them the sizes of the frames I need to cut. They don't seem to mind accomodating me when I order short lengths. I'll often order extra if the moulding is one that I know I can sell, but am not ready to bring it in in any great quantities yet.

Dave Makielski
 
I must be really lucky....I have 2 suppliers (I know that is limited) but they are great about telling me up front the lengths of the sticks...so I know what I am buying beforehand..they know I am a small outfit and they are most helpful with everything...especially with my dumb questions
 
Doug ;
It is my xperience that most suppliers will tell you that the average lenght runs "between 8-10 feet" with the probablity being 9.8 feet. Also the standard policy is you get the closest to what you ask for in whole feet ( no fractions) without going under your request. So if for example you need 17 ft. you should first order 17 feet not 18. Being aware that if you had ordered 16.5 your order would also be changed to 17.However if there isn't any cut lenghts in the stock they will send you two full 9.8 ft. sticks which will amount to 19.6 feet. Although if they coincedentally have a short lenght in stock they may send you lesss then the sum of what ever full sticks adds up to,but this is purely coincedental.
So I suggest that when ordering short lenghts you assume that you will get the SUM of whatever full sticks come to .
An alternative (but not always price efficent) is to order the amount that is devisible by full sticks and then add to it a leg that makes up the differance to reach your needed length. Of course it is a good idea to oreder nothing less than a 4 ft. leg since most suppliers will charge you a minimum of 4 feet regaudless of whay you order when ordering chop. Also the price differntial between lenght and chop can make it more efficient to go ahead and order the full lenght since there is a point where the total chop price for a partial stick can equal if not exceed a full stick at lenght price. This doesn't mention that the extra footage of a useable profile is more desirable to receive that cutting your margin by ordering just the minimum at chop ( it can be used later similar to Bulk lenght buyers with a bigger budget).You can add to this the fact that errors do occur and it is always better to have more than falling inches or maybe just a foot short of what the frame calls for and having to reorder and be delayed only to get even more excess footage.
But as others have suggested you should ask the supplier for the averag lenght of a given profile and then do the math to decide what is in your best interst. The suppliers are normally only too glad to assist you.They realize that not all of us can buy in bulk nor is it cost efficent to always buy at chop prices ( less profit margin) but the best choice and the math is up to you.
BUDDY
 
OK, Ron, I promise I won't touch this subject this time...
shutup.gif


John
 
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